Suspending a 24-week prison sentence for 18 months with supervision, the judge warned McReady, of Curzon Road, Prenton, he would be facing jail if he committed any further offences.

He ordered him to do 200 hours unpaid work and pay Mr Parker £750 compensation.

David Evans, prosecuting, said the incident was sparked when friends of McReady and his victim got into a fight while out drinking on June 20.

Later that night, McReady was walking home when, at the junction of Burlington Street and Conway Street, Birkenhead, he was hit from behind. He drunkenly retaliated by turning around and punching Mr Parker.

The force of the blow caused Mr Parker to fall to the ground.

X-rays revealed he fractured his lower jaw and he was transferred to Fazakerley hospital, where he needed an operation to insert titanium plates and six screws into his jaw.

But Judge Harris agreed McReady, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm, only reacted so violently because he was fuelled by drink.